Galavante in the World (GITW) recently celebrated 5 years of supporting women’s education on June 16, 2026. The organization honored dedicated donors who have contributed $10,000 or more over the past five years, with an exclusive benefactor dinner. The evening was just one of five milestone events GITW will host this year to continue their commitment to advancing women’s education. Guests were brought together for a night of appreciation, celebration, and philanthropy of Galavante in the World’s mission to expand educational opportunities for women.
An Evening at the Centurion Club
The dinner was held in the elegant Centurion Club in New York. The venue was the perfect setting for an unforgettable night, where guests connected with other like-minded individuals. These donors, who all share a desire to further women’s education, reflected on GITW’s mission to expand opportunities for women over a beautifully curated meal. The Centurion Club encouraged meaningful conversations through its warm and welcoming atmosphere, marking the night a celebration of both the past and future opportunities.
A Toast to Generosity with Laurent-Perrier
A highlight of the night was the generous champagne tasting provided by Laurent-Perrier. Guests were able to enjoy a variety of the House’s renowned champagnes throughout the dinner. This was all made possible because of the generosity of Karen Dean. The tasting included La Cuvée Brut NV, Vintage Brut 2015, Grand Siècle Iteration No. 27, Cuvée Rosé NV, and Cuvée Alexandra 2012. Michelle DeFeo, President of Laurent-Perrier U.S., also joined the evening, sharing insights into the craftsmanship and unique characteristics of each champagne. The tasting added an elegant touch to the evening, creating a memorable experience for guests.
Empowering the Next Generation
Supporting women’s education remains Galavante in the World’s mission. This continues to be made possible through the scholarships given by the altruistic donors. This year, GITW proudly recognizes Maryfrances Metrick for her generous donation of $10,000, to create more educational opportunities for women. Additionally, GITW expresses their gratitude for an anonymous donor who has funded the MLV Women’s Scholarship for Education and Leadership through a contribution of $40,000 over the last five years. These scholarships continue to empower students from Afghanistan to further their education, creating a lasting impact.
5 Milestones for Five Years
The Benefactor Dinner was only the first of many other events GITW plans for this year. In order to commemorate five years of supporting female students, supporters can look forward to events including a Silent Auction, October Celebration, a Mentorship opportunity with alumni from the American University of Afghanistan, and the Giving Tuesday Auction. Each milestone provides a meaningful opportunity to celebrate, while continuing to invest in GITW’s mission. Above all, Galavante in the World extends its gratitude to every donor and supporter who has made the last five years possible, and looks forward to celebrating each milestone.
2026 Donors
Donations Up to $500
Kate Friedmann
Liana Buonanno
Alexandra Kosslyn
Donations Up to $1,000
Desiree Fish
Lily Frishman
Maria Gagos
Matthew Lux
Katrina Murphy
Leslie Schweitzer
Donations Up to $10,000 and Up
Maryfrances Metrick
M.V. Scholarship for Women’s Leadership
Galavante in the World Sponsors
Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria
Laurent-Perrier Champagne
Robert Forbes
Royal Champagne
2025 Donors
Donations Up to $500
Christy Carter
Ruchika Chani
Anny Chen
Sandra Dean
Kara Dunn
Maria Gagos
Stacey Gavilano
Sandeep Gulati
Erin Lahey
Erica Mackoul
Laura Matiz
Barbara Mulvee
Michelle Ores
Simon Reid
Mary Shelton
Oliver Striker
Margaret Vaden
Nicole Venezia
Natasha Yamane
Donations Up to $1,000
Franziska Hummel
Jennifer Liu
Matthew Lux
Alysse McLoughlin
Leslie Schweitzer
Donations Up to $2,500
Soonae Sakow
Desiree Fish
Donations Up to $10,000 and Up
David and Diana Setney
M.V. Scholarship for Women’s Leadership
Galavante in the World Sponsors
Badura
Fluid Water
Healing Art Acupuncture
Laurent-Perrier Champagne
Robert Forbes
Royal Champagne
Royce Chocolate
Tulip and Bear
2024 Donors
Donations Up to $500
Maureen Atinsky
Liana Buonanno
Julia Chan
Anny Chen
Tara DAgostino
Londel Davis
Alisa Evans Debnam
John Dionisio
Kara Dunn
Maria Esposito
Kate Friedmann
Steven Friedman
Jessica Golden
Ruriko Hamaoka
Tracie Hamersley
Steven Hatfield
Sarah Hewitt
Thomas Kasza
Patricia Keegan
Alexandra Kosslyn
Erin Lahey
Dominique Lake
Rachel Lariviere
Ellen Lee
Phyllis Lee
Amy Lenander
Jenifer Liu
Beverly R Lovett
Gena Lovett
Laura Matiz
Brittany McCrorey
Barbara Mulvee
Alicia Nevarez
Michelle Ores
Courtnay Pareti
John Phillips
Simon Reid
Soonae Sakow
Christina Bost Seaton
Mary Shelton
Richard Thomas
Bonnie Uger
Nicole Venezia
Stephanie Vogel
Harleen Walia
Anne Zink
Donations Up to $1,000
Benny Adler
Karen Dean
Desiree Fish
Maria Gagos
Matthew Lux
Carolyn Magill
Jeffrey Morrison
Donations Up to $2,500
Franzika Hummel
Ivelisse Simon
Donations Up to $10,000 and Up
M.V. Scholarship for Women’s Leadership
Galavante in the World Sponsors
An Aspen Boondoggle with Jimmy Yeager + William H. Macy
Ubah Hassan
Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria
Royce Chocolate
Mzia Shiman Spa
Tulip & Bear
Maison Hudson’s Intuisse Spa
2022-2023 Donors
Donations Up to $500
Shaw Awber
Talitha Dowds and Brian Briggs
Maison Benjamin
Marilyn Bernard
Debra Brody
Liana Buonanno
Whitney Cale
Anny Chen
Paula Chirhart
Michelle Defeo
Kathryn Fidlow
Jessica Golden
Carolyn Halik
Tracie Hamersley
Meghan Henson
Mark Holcombe
Judy Jones
Hannah Karpman
Katie Keenan
Dina Landi
Jennifer Liu
Matt Lux
Stephanie Mak
Gwendolyne Martinez
Jeffrey Morrison
Barbara Mulvee
Michelle Ores
Lauren Privitera
Linda Saltzman
Charu Sharma
Christina Shaver
Lorne Solish
Shalini Sriram
Kathryn Stamos
Allison Stark
Oliver Striker
Kim Tambascia
Bonnie Uger
Margaret Vaden
John Wallace
Mike Wasserman
Dave Weiner
Lois Weithorn
Eva Yazhari
Donations Up to $1,000
Christa Crane
Steven Friedman
Maria Gagos
Steven Hatfield
Nicole Howard
Franziska Hummel
Gale Koreger
Jessica Lischka
David Volpi
Donations Up to $2,500
Benny Adler
Miles and Jaymie Beckett
Micah Block
Cristiana Falcone
Desiree Fish
Carolyn Magill
Lauren W.
Lillian P.
Donations Up to $5,000
Karen Dean
Martin Gore
Donations Up to $7,000
Laudato Si Challenge Foundation
Donations Up to $10,000 and Up
M.V. Scholarship for Women’s Leadership
Galavante in the World Auction + Event Sponsors
Aman New York
The Arts Club London
Black River Caviar
Cashel Palace Hotel, Ireland
Chef Maria Reina at Bella Cucina
Cotton House at Mustique Island
dmAFRICA
Domes Lake Algarve
Domes Miramare Corfu
Eden Rock Cap Cana
Eddie Arthur Salon
Eleven Experience Bahama House
Estelle Manor
Four Seasons Nevis
Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria
Hotel Eden Rome
Ishara Mara
Laurent-Perrier Champagne
Les Trois Chevaux & Chef Angie Mar
Lisa Hathaway & John Stella
Momentum Selection
Mzia Shiman Spa
Reya Communications
Ubah Hassan Private Collection Art
Ultimate Jet Vacations
Vhernier Co
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